Alan Partridge set to host TFI Friday Christmas special

The 90-minute special will air on Channel 4.

(Getty)

TFI Friday, revived from its late '90s glory days, just got the major boost it needed. Norfolk's finest, Alan Partridge, is set to co-host the Christmas special. A-ha!

He'll be joining regular host Chris Evans in what promises to be a cacophony of tinsel and celebrity good cheer, including James Corden, Sir Tom Jones, Jack Whitehall, Lee Mack; as well as musical guests Bryan Adams, Lianne La Havas, and Ellie King. 

Evans is clearly delighted with the booking of such prestigious celebrity. "Having staggered through nearly 200 TFI rehearsals and live shows, it’ll be a relief to see how it should be done by Norfolk’s master of broadcasting."

There's even a quote from the man himself (no, really). “I was honoured to receive the invitation to co-present Thank Frig It’s Friday. The fee was more than generous, and as soon as I received photographic evidence my dressing room had its own shower, I signed on the dotted line.”

Steve Coogan last revisited the character for the 2013 feature film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, though his series of shorts Alan Partridge's Mid Morning Matters is set to return for series 2 in 2016. Originally released on YouTube, the episodes were later broadcast on Sky Atlantic. Patridge (again, really) said of the news, "I expect those who doubted its success feel suitably chastened to never again doubt the wisdom of my career choices and to say nothing in response unless their comments are wholly supportive and positive. I hope I've made myself clear... thank you, let's leave it there."

The 90-minute special will air on Channel 4, Friday 18 December at 7.30pm.